substance

[ˈsʌbstəns]

substance Definition

• 1. a particular kind of matter with uniform properties
• 2. the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence
• 3. the quality of being important, valid, or significant

Using substance: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "substance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The substance of the argument was lost in the shouting match.

• Example

  The substance of the cake is flour, sugar, and eggs.

• Example

  The substance of the book is about the history of the Roman Empire.

• Example

  The substance of his speech was that we need to work harder.

substance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for substance

• material
• stuff
• element
• essence
• component

Antonyms for substance

• insubstantiality
• immateriality

Idioms Using substance

• the substance of something

  the most important or essential part of something

  Example

  The substance of her argument was that we need to invest more in education.

• all sizzle and no substance

  something that appears to be impressive or interesting but is actually of little value or substance

  Example

  The new product was all sizzle and no substance, failing to deliver on its promises.

• cut to the chase (get to the substance)

  to get to the point or important information without wasting time on unnecessary details

  Example

  Let's cut to the chase and talk about the real issue at hand.

Phrases with substance

• controlled substance

  a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illegal drugs or prescription medications

  Example

  Marijuana is considered a controlled substance in many countries.

• substance abuse

  the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs

  Example

  He was admitted to rehab for substance abuse treatment.

• substance over form

  a legal doctrine that holds that the economic substance of a transaction or arrangement should be given greater weight than its legal form

  Example

  The court ruled that the transaction was a sham and disregarded it under the principle of substance over form.

Origins of substance

from Latin 'substantia', meaning 'being, essence'

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Summary: substance in Brief

The term 'substance' [ˈsʌbstəns] refers to a particular kind of matter with uniform properties, the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists, and the quality of being important or significant. It can be used in phrases like 'substance abuse' and idioms like 'all sizzle and no substance,' which means something appears impressive but has little value. 'Substance' also appears in legal contexts, such as 'substance over form,' which prioritizes economic substance over legal form.